Champions League Final preview

May 27, 2011 | No Comments

And then there were two. Saturday night sees arguably the biggest night in European football as FC Barcelona take on Manchester United at Wembley with both teams looking to claim their fourth European Cup title. Like everybody else, I believe it’s going to be an absolute cracker.

Wembley stadium is roughly 200 miles from Old Trafford and players like Wayne Rooney will be more than familiar with the territory when they are on England duty. With this in mind, the game being played on English soil may give the United players the mentality of a home game. But this isn’t any old team that’s coming to town. The recent volcanic ash threat over Europe meant that Barça travelled to London a few days ahead of schedule and confidence in the squad is booming. The Catalan giants will undergo their final training session at Arsenal’s London Colney tonight and Sir Alex will be thinking how his Red Devils can stop the talents of Xavi, Villa, Iniesta, Pique and Messi on Saturday night.[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/tn6Gd2wrLT0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
The bookies are making Barça slight favourites. Their La Liga season has been phenomenal and Pep Guardiola’s men have proved themselves time and time again (although The Special One may not entirely agree). The truth is, Manchester United’s season has been equally as impressive. I think it’s exactly 50-50. The last time these sides met was in the 2009 final. Barça won 2-0 and won admirably. Talents have come and gone in both squads so I wouldn’t be too surprised if this game goes to extra time. Both sides have equal desire. But on the night – anything can happen.